North East | Statement win for Middlesbrough over Ipswich

Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Ipswich Town

Middlesbrough returned to the top of the Championship with a statement win over pre-season promotion favourites Ipswich Town.

Author | Jay Dean

Stadium | Riverside Stadium

After three matches without a victory, Boro took the lead in first-half stoppage time through a Cedric Kipre own goal, before Morgan Whittaker scored his first for the club to make it two. The result moves Rob Edwards’ side two points clear of unbeaten Coventry City, who host Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

It continues an impressive run of form at the Riverside, where Boro have now taken 13 points from a possible 15 under Edwards. The former Luton Town manager has injected a strong sense of optimism since his arrival in June.

Ipswich, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat in six matches. George Hirst missed a golden chance to put them ahead when his penalty was superbly saved by Sol Brynn just minutes before the opener. Captain Dara O’Shea pulled one back late on, but the visitors could not find an equaliser and remain ninth, still without an away win this season.

A closer look at what happened

Pre-match fireworks

Rob Edwards made four changes to his starting line-up and Middlesbrough might have taken the lead earlier, but Alex Palmer produced a remarkable spell of goalkeeping, making four excellent saves in as many minutes.

A Cedric Kipre own goal in first-half stoppage time, followed by Morgan Whittaker’s first strike in Boro colours eventually put the home side in control.

Captain Dara O’Shea reduced the deficit with 14 minutes remaining, but the visitors were unable to salvage a point and remain ninth, still without a win on the road this season.

For Ipswich, it was a first defeat in six matches, and they were left to rue George Hirst’s missed penalty just minutes before the opener, as his effort was superbly saved by goalkeeper Sol Brynn.

Best fan reaction

Robbie, a Boro Season Ticket holder, said: “I loved it. The energy, the intensity, the work rate, the hunger to win the ball back, the blocks. I thought that side of the team was excellent. We posed a real threat, and the second goal was magnificent."